Today, the Feast of Corpus Christi in Ireland, cathedrals and parishes throughout the island – North and South – marked this Year of Faith with an hour of Eucharistic Adoration in their local churches. At 4.00pm (5.00pm Rome time) the Universal Church was synchronised with Rome in prayerful communion with Pope Francis as part of this historic Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration, which took place for the first time today. Archbishop Eamon Martin, Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh, represented Irish bishops in Saint Peter’s Basilica for this special liturgical event.

Speaking today after the Eucharistic Adoration in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, Cardinal Seán Brady said, “The proposal of Pope Francis to hold a Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration as part of this Year of Faith was a wonderful idea: for one hour today the faithful of the world were invited to be united together in prayer. Adoration of the Eucharist reminds us of the importance of the Sacrament of the Eucharist in our faith, a faith which will lead us to bring the message of Christ to our homes, our families, our communities and our world. This opportunity for Eucharistic Adoration brings to mind the theme of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress held in Ireland last year: ‘The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another’.”

Cardinal Brady continued, “Those of us in Ireland who could participate in today’s Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration are grateful for the opportunity to devote a period of time for prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament which for Catholics is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. This afternoon we also remembered in our prayers the two specific intentions of Pope Francis which he set out for this Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration regarding the mission of the Church in the world and for woman and children who are vulnerable and face violence.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

The Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration was broadcast today from Saint Peter’s Basilica from 4.00 – 5.00pm Irish time (5.00 – 6.00pm Rome time). Its theme is ‘One Lord, One Faith’. This is the first such event in the history of the Church and the faithful were invited to pray for the following intentions which have been proposed by Pope Francis:

1) “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”

2) “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.”

Cardinal Seán Brady is Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.